Campus Notebook: Battle for Concealed Firearms in D.C. Stalls

Rep. Louie Gohmert's amendment would have made it so state-licensed gun owners could also bring concealed weapons into the District, even though the it has no "concealed carry" laws.

An effort to allow gun owners from other states to carry concealed weapons in the District of Columbia was foiled last week in a surprise victory for D.C. statehood advocates.

But they warn that this battle is far from over, as pro-gun Republicans might try to overturn D.C.'s gun ban in other legislative arenas.

On Thursday, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) offered an amendment to a bill being considered by the House Judiciary Committee. The overall measure would allow people licensed to carry concealed guns to bring those firearms into other states that permit individuals to do so.

But Gohmert's amendment would have made it so state-licensed gun owners could also bring concealed weapons into D.C., even though the District has no "concealed carry" laws.

"The District of Columbia violated constitutional rights of citizens to keep and bear arms," Gohmert said, adding that in adopting his amendment, "we will do a great service here."

Gohmert on Thursday had the support of two Republican colleagues on the committee, Reps. Steve King (Iowa) and Jim Jordan (Ohio).

But all of the other Republicans joined Democrats on the committee in voting against the amendment, surprising D.C. statehood activists who were all but sure it would be adopted.

He explained that his vote reflected a feeling that he supported the general concept of Gohmert's proposal but that this bill was not its appropriate vehicle: It would not give D.C. residents the right to carry concealed guns, only those with permits issued by other states.